Trent Wotherspoon, the NDP’s education and finance critic, has tabled a bill that aims to make public-private partnerships (P3s) transparent, accountable and subject to up-front independent value-for-taxpayers evaluations.

Bill 605, The Public-Private Partnership Transparency and Accountability Act, will require an independent accountability watchdog on each P3, and will prevent the government from using the P3 method for major capital projects if there are less than three bidders on the contract. The law would also require the full cost of the project – including the cost of credit – to be reported to taxpayers.

“There should be no public money spent without public accountability,” said Wotherspoon. “Secret deals are not in the best interest of taxpayers. This law will shine a light on P3s so legislators and Saskatchewan families will have all the facts.”

Understaffing is causing problems in hospitals and seniors care homes, and NDP Leader Cam Broten and the Opposition MLAs called for a solution during the first full week of the fall session of the legislative assembly.

“Listening to the heart-breaking stories of Saskatchewan families, it’s clear that this government is heading in the wrong direction when it comes to patient care and seniors care,” said Broten.

The government’s Throne Speech has set a disappointing tone for the year: this government does not plan to hold up its end of the bargain when it comes to the things Saskatchewan families need.

“It really is a backward-looking Throne Speech,” said NDP Leader Cam Broten. “It points to the fact that Saskatchewan families have been working harder than ever over the past year, but doesn’t give people any indication that this government will hold up its end of the deal when it comes to fixing the things that matter like health care, seniors care and our kids’ education.”